WASHINGTON -- One of the nation's largest firefighters unions has accused Republican presidential contender Rudy Giuliani of committing "egregious acts" against firefighters who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

In a draft letter, the International Association of Fire Fighters criticize the former New York City mayor for cutting back on the number of firefighters searching the rubble of Ground Zero for the remains of other firefighters.

The letter reads in part: "Many people consider Rudy Giuliani 'America's Mayor,' and many of our members who don't yet know the real story, may also have a positive view of him. This letter is intended to make all of our members aware of the egregious acts Mayor Giuliani committed against our members, our fallen on 9/11, and our New York City union officers following that horrific day."

The union has long assailed the former mayor, but the latest criticism comes as several polls put Giuliani ahead in the race for the Republican nomination.

Union officials said the letter was drafted as leaders were deciding whether to invite Giuliani to a presidential candidate forum, but it was never distributed.

"The fundamental lack of respect that Giuliani showed our FDNY members is unforgivable - and that's why he was not invited. Our disdain for him is not about issues or a disputed contract, it is about a visceral, personal affront to the fallen, to our union and, indeed, to every one of us who has ever risked our lives by going into a burning building to save lives and property," the letter said.

The Giuliani campaign fought back against the charges Friday in part by posting a letter on its web site from retited New York firefighter Lee Lelpi.

"I was deeply disappointed and disheartened to learn of the recent partisan political activities by the International Association of Firefighters," Lelpi said.

"Those of us who have worked with him know that Rudy Giuliani has always been a steadfast and unrelenting supporter of firefighters and first responders. The IAFF’s accusations in its “draft letter,” which made its way into the hands of the media, flies in the face of the facts. It is offensive and inaccurate."

The campaign also posted a release saying Giuliani had the support of about 100 South Carolina firefighters.

The announcement followed a town hall meeting Giuliani hosted at the firehouse in North Spartanburg, S.C.